HP iPaq hx2750 PocketPC

Review When it comes to choosing a PocketPC it seems like there's little or no need to look elsewhere than HP's iPaq line-up. The company has dominated the market since day one and today it boasts a range offering something for everyone, writes Stephen Patrick.

The hx2750 is the replacement for the old and, so it seems now, unwieldy h5550. This new model is actually based on the hx2410, which came out at the end of 2004. But whereas the hx2410 is aimed at a more mainstream audience, this model is intended for use by those who carry important or sensitive data around with them.

This is achieved by the addition of biomteric security. A fingerprint reader sits above the navigation button, which forces the user to swipe their finger over it a number of times - usually three - so that it can register your identity.

HP's security software comes from Credant Technologies. We were impressed with how easy it was to set up a profile and to lock down our data. True, if you only carry around a few contacts and phone numbers, this is a case of overkill, but sales execs or anyone carrying a database of contacts and sales figures, for instance, with appreciate the level of protection the software offers.

The hx2750 is on the bulky side, with rubber grips fitted either side of the main casing. This means you can throw it in your bag without worrying too much about the impact. Weighing 165g, it's not exactly heavy, but you won't want to carry it around in your shirt-pocket.

Considering the size of the device, the 3.5in screen is a little on the small side. Especially when you consider that HP has made 3.8in and even 4in screens available on its more multimedia-focused handhelds. Regardless of size, the screen is bright, and the PDA responsive. On the inside, the hx2750 runs the same Intel XScale PXA270 processor as the other members of the iPaq range, but at the faster 624MHz frequency. There's 128MB of ROM and 128MB of SDRAM, with up to 192MB of user-accesible memory. The rest comprises the iPaq data store.

Expansion takes the 'business types like choice' approach, so it comes with an SD slot as well as the more backward-compatible CompactFlash. If you need to add peripherals, whether a memory card, a camera or GPS unit, the hx2750 should be able to accommodate you.

Verdict

For many PDA users, the hx2750 is too specialised and doesn't really offer anything that we haven't seen before. However, for the business user, or anyone who needs to carry sensitive data around with them, there isn't a better PocketPC on the market.